And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3
Canon 5dD Mark II Camera
Canon 24mm 3.5 TS-E Tilt Shift
Canon 70-200 F4
Nikon 24-85 VR
Nodal Nija Pano Head
Tripod-Bogan Manfrotto Carbon Fiber 190CX3, 488RC2 Ballhead
Tripod-Bogan Manfrotto Carbon Fiber 055CXPRO3
For me, uniting mountaineering and photography was the inevitable progression that just had to happen. It was a seamless connection between two passions that started in my heart, and never left. For 15 years, climbing mountains was my Perfect Storm, an addiction that stroked my competitive ego. I climbed hundreds of mountains mostly to satisfy that ego, but I also seemed to enjoy capturing and sharing these moments with whatever camera I could get my hands on. Sharing these images with friends and family was just as fun as climbing mountains. During my peak bagging tenure, there was always been one constant, climbing a mountain would never be fun without my camera.
Years later I concentrated on climbing more specific mountains in what I call “next level” scenery; areas like Lone Eagle Cirque, Glacier Gorge, Pierre Lakes Basin, West Maroon Valley, and the West Elks Wilderness. After that, I got into climbing everything in the Gore Range. After that, I thought climbing everything in the Sangre De Cristo Range would be cool. How about climbing everything in the West Maroon Valley? Sure, why not. I would select mountains that had great views of bigger and better mountains. For example, I climbed everything around the Crestone Needle… to take pictures of the Crestone Needle. Next, I climbed everything around Longs Peak… to take pictures of Longs Peak; the same with the Maroon Bells. Later, I climbed the Bells and the Needle, but it wasn’t the same. I didn’t get that “high” that others get when climbing great mountains. At that point I knew my passion for climbing had migrated to landscape photography. I climb to take pictures.
Often only a few minutes that day marks the allotted time to do my work. Lighting, stunning scenery, and technical precision usually delivers the that "Wow" factor in an image that I strive for every outing. Below the surface, never ending research, relentless planning, unlimited travelling, physical dedication and lastly, flawless execution gets me there at the right time and the right moment... thus I can share with you what happens out there, everyday somewhere, in our backyard.
I am blessed, no doubt; incredibility patient wife, lovely children and infinite respect for Mother Nature and Gods remarkable landscape handiwork drive me to share. I hope you enjoy the end product of my passion, a photograph.
